EMMA CONWAY FROM WESTHOUGHTON, BOLTON SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT

Emma Conway, born around 1987 and residing on Southfield Drive, Westhoughton, Bolton BL5, was convicted in 2025 of neglecting her dog, Harley. She allowed the female crossbreed’s health to decline due to untreated ear and skin infections.

On May 14, 2024, RSPCA animal rescue officer Jess Pierce visited Conway’s home after receiving a welfare concern concerning a dog at the property.

In her written evidence, Ms. Pierce described her findings: “I saw a female crossbreed dog named Harley in the living room covered with a coat. Even with the coat on, I could see she had a significant skin issue. I detected a strong yeasty smell and observed thickened skin and fur loss.

“I asked Ms. Conway to remove the coat, and she pulled it up, revealing the dog was mostly bald along her back. The skin looked thickened and black, resembling rhino skin.

“Ms. Pierce asked if Harley had been to a vet, and Conway replied she hadn’t due to financial reasons, but showed her some treatments she had purchased.”

Harley was taken to a local veterinarian, who diagnosed her with ear infections and ear disease that had likely persisted for several weeks. The vet explained, “This would have caused her constant irritation and made it difficult for her to settle and rest comfortably. She was scratching behind her ears, leading to self-trauma and pain, causing physical and mental suffering.

“By not taking Harley to a vet earlier, the owner caused unnecessary suffering. Regardless of the cause or treatability of her chronic ear and skin issues, veterinary treatment should have been sought sooner.”

Following the vet’s findings, Conway agreed to surrender Harley to the RSPCA, which promised to conduct a further investigation. Despite several weeks passing, Harley’s condition had not improved. Both ears remained inflamed, and there were concerns about blood in her urine. The vet confirmed her conditions were chronic and advised that Harley should be euthanized to prevent further suffering.

In an interview, Conway stated she had bought a new bed and shampoo for Harley, suspecting she was affected by dust mites, and had attempted to treat her skin with oil.

Conway was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 10 days of ‘rehabilitation,’ a fine of £40, and ordered to pay costs totaling £541.50. She is also banned from keeping animals for five years, with the restriction set to expire in January 2030.

The case was reported by Manchester World and Wigan Today.